Reiss suspects that the Patriots are actually more concerned about Gronkowski’s long-term health than about the health of tight end Aaron Hernandez, who has missed two games with an ankle injury.

The Patriots cut down on Gronkowski’s playing time last week against the Bills, presumably because he’s at less than 100 percent, and he has been limited in practice as well. Still, Gronkowski managed to five passes for 104 yards and a touchdown, so Gronkowski at less than 100 percent is still one of the best tight ends in the NFL.

Gronk is a tough dude. I can’t imagine too many skill players even being able to play at all 2 weeks after the ankle injury he got last year in the AFCC. That said, I’m more worried about the Pats young D today (not talent wise, but that they are so inexperienced against a vet like PM)than I am about the O. This will be a hellafied test for the D.

1. Hernandez has been out with injury and the spotlight has been on that.
2. Gronkowski is a record-holding TE and an important part of the Patriots offense.
3. The Patriots have made news with the inventive use of the duel TE tandem in their offense

@ j0sixpack – Love the note of sarcasm in your post. I have to wonder though if PFT writers are even watching the games. If they did they would also notice that Gronk has been blocking a lot more than last year as well. But suspecting injuries are much interesting than commenting on the obvious. Then there are the losers who invoke Brady as a reason why anyone would care or Spygate, in which case I would recommend that they not forget to wipe the Cheetos dust off their fingers before they start typing.

@sourdough — What, you have to have an encyclopedic knowledge of football back to the leatherheads to comment on this board? Get off your high horse man.

Patriots are doing something special with their tight ends — now being copied by other teams.

Scouts, Inc Matt Williamson 5/30/11 :

The Patriots are loaded at this position and use their tight ends like no other team in the league. Defenses must distinguish pre-snap how they count each tight end. By doing so, defenses show their hands to quarterback Tom Brady, who exploits the weaknesses. The Pats can mix and match their tight ends and offensive personnel overall like no other offense in the NFL.